Beta'd by: Bombadilo Baby = My thanks and gratitude!
Slightly shorter chapter this week (sorry!), but you did get a slightly longer one last week so I figure it evens out mostly.
. . . Hopefully none of you are disappointed with the conclusion of this chapter.
If you are . . . eh, too bad.
Because I have plans.
And I like my plans.
And you'll just have to wait and see how my plans pan out, because I'm not going to tell you them now ;-) (but I like to think they're pretty good)
Wishing you all bedazzling weekends!
-G
Do I own any legal rights to Harry Potter? No. No, I do not. But cheers to J. K Rowling for dreaming it up! I would, very much, miss the Harry Potter sized hole in my life if she hadn't.
Draco stared in frustration at the closed door; the hand that had previously been in Harry's curled in anxious protectiveness. He spun away, walked a few steps, and then slid his back down the nearby wall. Seated on the floor, Draco's grey eyes remained fixed on the closed door as he waited for Harry to come back out.
Madam Bones stood tensely off to the side of the room, awaiting Lady Malfoy and the young Mr Potter. Since she had become aware of the Potter heir's appalling circumstance, Amelia had been uneasy. It had taken her scant time to realise that there was more at work here than a simple (if atrocious) case of family violence. And even less time to come to the decision that she would need to tread carefully to uncover the true extent of culpable parties. One did not bandy accusations to such important figureheads in their society, for abuse of a minor no less, without solid undeniable evidence backing them. That was to mention nothing about the identity of said minor.
Amelia withheld a frown, unsure of her ability to keep Mr Potter from the inevitable media circus this would turn into as soon as the general public caught wind of it.
Madam bones walked towards Lucius Malfoy, where the man was currently sat calmly at his desk, her back straight and brown hair smoothly curled off her face.
She stared at him with cool blue eyes, waiting for his own to meet hers before she nodded her head respectfully. "As a member of the Department of Magical Children's Protection and Services at the Ministry, I thank you Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy for bringing to the Ministry's attention the case of Mr. Harry Potter. You do credit to the school's Department of Student Services and Protection." She stated honestly.
Lucius gazed silently at her for a moment, before dipped his head in return, silver eyes thawing slightly. "Your thanks, whilst appreciated, are unnecessary Madam Bones." He said, voice low "As a parent myself, and a member of both the Hogwarts board and DSSP, my actions were strongly guided." Lucius admitted.
Amelia's lips twitched in slight amusement, as she delivered her next sentence "However, I feel I should warn you, that as a member of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, we cannot condone your recent use of magic against Mr and Mrs Dursley." She almost laughed aloud when she saw his unrepentant sneer as a response. "Though I highly doubt, given the evidence against said individuals, that our Department will be taking legal action against you at this point."
This last statement caught Lucius' attention, and his gaze snapped back to hers. "They have been taken into custody then?" He inquired. Amelia didn't miss, or take offense to, the furious undertone that had crept into his voice at the mention of said individuals.
She herself had to fight back a wave of anger as she recalled the vile truths Mr Potter's relatives had admitted under Vertiaserum just hours earlier. She nodded stiffly "They are currently being held at the Ministry until we have sufficient evidence to deliver an appropriate verdict for both individuals. Your families' and Professor Severus Snape's testimony, plus the evidence provided, have been most insightful. Again, you have our thanks." Madam Bones informed him.
Lucius eyes flashed as he was reminded of another matter "If your Board dares to try and conceal Dumbledore's involvement in this matter I can assure you that my lawyers-"
Madam Bones held up her hand, voice firm as she interrupted Lord Malfoy. "Being an ongoing investigation, I am limited in the details I can discuss with you. However I can inform you, as a member of the Hogwarts Board, that your concerns and evidence regarding Professor Albus Dumbledore are being looked into. They will be given their due consideration." She told him.
Lucius sneered. "For the sake of everyone around him, I hope that you make due haste. That charming old man has enough political clout and influence to bury any evidence long before your Department can scratch the surface."
Amelia tapped her right index finger against her thigh, a slight crease between her brows. "If Albus Dumbledore has been neglecting the care of children under his care then I can personally guarantee to you Lord Malfoy, that I will do my upmost to see that he is held accountable for his actions." She pledged, seriously.
Lucius paused, body still, as he observed Madam Bones. After a pregnant minute, he dipped his head gracefully. "My apologies, Madam Bones. I meant no personal offence." He apologised. "I'm afraid that I have long suspected Dumbledore of unsanctioned meddling in the lives of several Hogwarts students, however Mr. Potter's case is the only one in which sufficient evidence may have arisen to take legal action." Lucius informed her.
Amelia turned sharply towards him "Why has my Department not been made aware of these concerns previously?" she questioned sharply.
"It has been." Lucius snapped back "Several times in fact, and not only by myself. The Hogwarts Board is also aware of my reservations regarding the Headmaster. On all occasions the evidence was deemed insufficient to instigate a full enquiry and investigation." He sneered derisively.
Madam Bones frowned "If that were the case, my Department should have at least had documentation of the complaints." She murmured, tapping her finger agitatedly. "And I have seen no such files."
Lucius sighed, rolling his shoulders. "It has been some years since I last filed a complaint against him." He told her wearily, wondering how Harry's life might have been easier if he'd been more successful previously.
Amelia's frown only grew "No, I should have automatically been made aware of any prior complaints against the Headmaster upon receiving the role of lead during this investigation. Who filed your last complaint?"
Lucius raised a perfectly sculptured blonde brow. "A woman by the name of Guignier Dearborn."
Amelia quickly cast the emotion off her face, leaving it artfully blank. She knew, of course, whom he spoke of. But it was the last name that gave her pause. Her brother, who had been one of the original members of the Order of the Phoenix, had mentioned it briefly in her presence. Though she couldn't recall in what context, she had a suspicion she knew with had been associated.
"I shall look into the matter immediately upon returning to the Ministry this afternoon." She stated.
Lucius looked as though he wanted to enquire further, but they both stopped upon hearing the parlour door open. Amelia turned to watch as Lady Narcissa Malfoy stepped gracefully back into the room, gently holding the hand of the young Harry Potter.
Amelia could instantly sense the trepidation coming from the undersized raven-haired boy. His green eyes were large and nervous as he quickly (and she got the unmistakable sense that it was habitual) scanned the room.
Amelia stepped forward, smiling cautiously "Good day, Mister Potter." She greeted quietly, pausing in her approach as she saw Harry's instinctually tense up. "My name is Madam Amelia Bones. I've a few questions that I was hoping you could help me with." She told him softly.
Amelia watched in regret, as she saw Harry step closer behind Lady Malfoy. It was, sadly, an action that she had seen several times in her career with individuals who'd suffered from physical or emotions abuse.
Narcissa curled her arm around his shoulders protectively. "Lucius and I will stay here with you the whole time Harry. And, I promise, you won't get in trouble for anything you tell Madam Bones." She promised.
Harry glanced nervously up at Narcissa then warily turned back to Amelia. He bopped his head quickly in a nod, still not quite game to speak aloud in the presence of a stranger.
Amelia smiled reassuringly. "Please, call me Amelia." She told them, mostly for Harry's benefit "Madam Bones, always makes me think of my mother." She said wry amusement.
She walked over and took a seat upon a chair which was close to the lounge Narcissa was directing Harry to. Amelia waited until they'd settled down before talking again in front of Harry. "Lady Malfoy, perhaps you could explain to Harry what we require from him?" she inquired, knowing from experience that children like Harry were be more receptive to requests from someone they were comfortable with.
Narcissa nodded, turning to face Harry. Their eyes met and her lips drew up in a small smile "We need a copy of your memories whilst you were living at Privet Drive." Lady Malfoy told him gently. Harry couldn't contain the slight wince as he heard this.
"It won't hurt, or change your memories in any way." She reassured him "You just have to think really clearly about your life there. One of us will place the tip of our wand here" she said, softly tapping his temple with a slim finger "And our magic will create a copy of your memories . . . It's important that you are honest with us Harry,' Narcissa told him, brushing his fringe away soothingly from his forehead, before lowering her hand again "We know that your relatives didn't look after like they should have, Harry. And for that, they are . . . in trouble. Madam Bones here is responsible for making sure their punishment is fair, and appropriate for how they've treated you."
Harry's eyes were wide, and he was shaking slightly as his gaze flickered to Amelia. "The Dursley's are in trouble because of me?" he asked with fear, and slight disbelief, curling into himself as he spoke.
"This isn't your fault, Harry." Amelia told him, quickly seeing that he was worried of reprisals from their request "They are being punished because what they did was wrong. As your guardians, they promised to protect you. They broke that promise. That's why they are being punished." She told him.
Harry's eyes were anxious as his gaze flickered away from her, his breathing elevated.
"Do - Do I have-" Harry stuttered, not even sure what he was so anxious about.
Lucius stood up abruptly, and walked over to crouch down in front of Harry. "You don't have to see them again Harry." Lucius said. Harry's eyes flickered up in shock to meet Lucius'. "Once this is done, you will never have to see, or think, about any of them unless you choose to." His low voice swept reassuringly over Harry.
The raven's trembling paused as the young boy stared up at Lord Malfoy, searching his gaze for any sign of falsehood. There was something about the elder Malfoy's face that told him he would make sure his statement was truth.
Amelia watched as whatever the boy saw on Lucius' face finally gave some comfort; enough to proceed. Harry nodded his head slowly, and Amelia saw the glimmer of relief in his eyes, hidden behind his serious face. "Ca-can you do it? . . . please?" Harry whispered quietly to Lord Malfoy, not meeting Amelia's gaze.
Lucius nodded in return. "Of course." He slid his wand smoothly from his cane. "You need to focus now, Harry." He told the boy, not moving closer until Harry was prepared "It will help if you remember everything in order, focus on each year." He instructed Harry.
The raven nodded, a crease between his dark eyebrows as he focused his memories.
Lucius looked into the green eyes, searching their depths. "You will remember everything." He reinstated, watching as the raven's eyes flickered uncertainly. "The truth in its entirety, Harry. I expect no less." Lucius murmured gently as Harry's eyes flickered closed in an act of acceptance.
Lord Malfoy slowly raised his wand up to Harry's temple, and the white wisp of a memory started to collect at its tip. Madam Bones and Narcissa stayed quietly beside the two males, and finally, after around half an hour, Harry's eyes slid open. Green eyes blank and vacant, avoiding everyone's gaze.
Lucius slowly drew his wand away, a large collection of silver memories floating softly after it. He silently collected the memories in the jar which Amelia passed to him. What many didn't realise, given that usually memories were collected without another's assistance, was that the wielder of the wand also saw vague recollections of the moments as they were copied or extracted. Lucius struggled to maintain a calm façade as he passed the jar to Madam Bones, though undoubtedly Narcissa was aware of his reaction immediately.
Lucius wasn't the only one shaken up by the experience, Harry presence remained disturbingly vacant, gaze blank as he stared at his lap.
Lucius', oddly, felt compelled to provide some form of comfort. Admittedly not his strong suit. He was staid, for the time being, however by the visitor still within the manor.
The Malfoy patriarch had known that Harry's childhood hand not been a happy one, but he'd been unaware of the true extend until now. He understood immediately why Severus' had been murderous after pilfering through the disgusting muggles minds, and was furious that his friend had kept the information from him. It had only been Harry's poor health and the calming presence of the Malfoy's that had prevented his old friend from any drastic action when they'd collect Harry from Privet Drive. Lucius found himself in a similar position; a position of fighting the urge to barge right into the Ministry and do away with the muggles. Painfully and personally. His wand hand practically vibrated with anger.
He viciously smothered the impulse, channelling and sharpening his mind down a different direction. The direction which would lead to the utter destruction of anyone who'd had a hand in shaping Harry's childhood through his political connections.
"I believe that is all that Harry will be available for," Lucius said, a slight rasp in his voice, detectable to no one present but his wife. "If you have any other enquiry's I assume you can you are competent enough to direct them elsewhere." Lucius snapped quietly, protective of the boy.
Amelia nodded, not taking offence to Lord Malfoy's behaviour. She understood how difficult a large memory transference could be on both parties. Besides, their Department tried to limit all minor's involvement in any cases, and with this evidence Harry's assistance should no longer be needed. There was however one other matter "I agree completely, Lord Malfoy. Harry need not personally contribute any further in this investigation, in fact, it would probably be best that he stepped outside the room for a moment whilst I discuss something with you." She told them calmly. "Would that be alright Mr. Potter? I'll call you back in, in a moment." She told him reassuringly.
Harry glanced towards the Malfoy's. Narcissa tried to smile reassuringly back at him, concerned with the dull glaze across his eyes "Wait outside with Draco, sweetheart. We won't be long." She said gently.
A flicker of uncertainty returned to his green eyes before Harry slid silently off the lounge, and slipped from the room, the door clocking softly shut behind him.
Narcissa and Lucius glanced at each other, before turning back to Amelia. "There is one other matter to discuss before I leave, and that is that matter of guardianship." She admitted to them.
Narcissa and Lucius both looked sharply at Madam Bones, both sensing where this was going. "If I understand you correctly, Madam Bones, you are implying that our application has been rejected." Lucius hissed "I insist that you state the reasoning behind this decision, we have both the qualifications and monetary needs to raise him!" Lucius drew himself up, eyes flashing dangerously. Narcissa beside him was increasingly radiating cold fury.
Amelia shook her head "It was not your personal circumstances which challenged your application for guardianship, merely the information we've just uncovered within the late Potter's will." She informed them.
Lucius was furious "If your incompetent Department dare consider Albus once again for guardianship, I will-!" he seethed.
Amelia hurried to correct him "Albus Dumbledore will not be reinstated as Mr Potter's guardian." She interrupted "Though he had also submitted an application, shortly after yourselves, it was denied. Given our current investigation, into his serious lack of action to ensure Mr Potter's welfare, there would have been no chance of this occurring unless he had been cleared of all doubt. Highly unlikely, given the new information we have received." She told them, lips pursed seriously "It has been uncovered that Professor Dumbledore never had any legal rights to Guardianship, not being on the Potter's will at all, in the first instance. How he was instated is currently under internal investigation within our Department." She informed then regretfully, angered at how this had gone unnoticed for ten years. According to her records, the Potter's will had never officially been read.
Lucius snarled. Madam Bones ignored him as she continued.
"You understand, I am only informing you of this because of your positions on the Hogwarts Board. Notification regarding the investigation on Professor Dumbledore's has been sent out to the remaining members of the Board earlier today." She revealed. "Professor McGonagall has been instated as a temporary Headmaster until our investigation is complete."
"What I'm here to inform you is that, after reading the Potter's will, we have discovered another individual whose claim supersedes your own. Their name was listed down as a requested guardian should anything happen to the Potter's; along with Mr Sirius Black, and Mr and Mrs Longbottom. The last three were of course deemed inadequate to care for Mr Potter." Amelia said, knowing they would understand why the Azkaban prisoner and two St Mungo's patients would be rejected. "It was to this individual that Mr Potter's guardianship should have originally been passed following the deaths of Lily and James Potter. If the individual declines then your own application will be approved immediately." Amelia assured them.
Lucius felt cold dread drop in his stomach. "Who?" he asked, already forming plans to manipulate said individual into rejecting the guardianship claim.
Amelia wondered how they would take the news, as she replied
"Professor Severus Tobias Snape."